Now the winning architects are just excited to get going on their latest project.

A&M partner Paul Appleton said: "Originally it seemed an amazing opportunity. I suppose, as with all these things, with any competition you hold your heart in your hand as you do not know if you will get through a rigorous process.

"It was so interesting and played to our strengths so really worth going for and there were really good entries so we were chuffed to get shortlisted."

He added: "The main ideas came out when we visited Clandon Park one time. Climbing around the burned out building, it's a fascinating place.

"We got access to places the public do not go behind the barriers, being accompanied, and got an amazing sense from the building and what it's history is.